Apparatus for holding vehicle ramp members and a method for using the same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding at least one vehicle ramp member is provided. The apparatus includes a pad configured to receive at least a first vehicle wheel proximate a first end of the pad and a second vehicle wheel proximate a second end of the pad. The apparatus further includes a first holding member coupled to the pad proximate the first end of the pad. The first holding member is configured to hold a first vehicle ramp member at a first predetermined position on the pad. The pad supports the second vehicle wheel when the first vehicle wheel contacts the first vehicle ramp member thereby preventing movement of the pad by the first vehicle wheel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to an apparatus for holding vehicle ramp members and a method for using the same.

BACKGROUND

A wheel ramp has been used to support a vehicle in an elevated position to allow access to a vehicle underside. When a vehicle wheel contacts the wheel ramp, a force exerted by the vehicle wheel may cause the wheel ramp to slide away from the advancing wheel. Thus, the vehicle wheel may not reach a top portion of the wheel ramp when the wheel ramp is sliding away from the advancing wheel.

A pair of ramp pads disposed on opposite ends of a ramp have been proposed for reducing ramp slippage. When utilizing the ramp pads, howeve, only a portion of the vehicle's weight is applied to the pads when a vehicle wheel contacts the ramp. Accordingly, the ramp pads may not have sufficient frictional engagement with a surface to prevent ramp slippage.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus that can reduce and/or eliminate ramp slippage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for holding at least one vehicle ramp member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The apparatus includes a pad configured to receive at least a first vehicle wheel proximate a first end of the pad and a second vehicle wheel proximate a second end of the pad. The apparatus further includes a first holding member coupled to the pad proximate the first end of the pad. The first holding member is configured to hold a first vehicle ramp member at a first predetermined position on the pad. The pad supports the second vehicle wheel when the first vehicle wheel contacts the first vehicle ramp member thereby preventing movement of the pad by the first vehicle wheel.

A method for elevating a portion of a vehicle in accordance with another exemplary embodiment is provided. The method includes coupling a first ramp member to a first holding member on a pad. The first holding member is disposed proximate a first end of the pad. The pad is configured to receive at least a first vehicle wheel proximate the first end of the pad and a second vehicle wheel proximate a second end of the pad. The method further includes moving first and second vehicle wheels onto the pad, wherein when the first vehicle wheel moves upwardly on the first vehicle ramp member the second vehicle wheel contacts the pad to prevent movement of the pad.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for holding vehicle ramp members in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of first and second holding members, respectively, utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 indicating a first vehicle position and a second vehicle position relative to the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for holding vehicle ramp members in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, an apparatus 10 for holding at least one vehicle ramp member in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated. An advantage of the apparatus 10 is that vehicle ramp members disposed on the apparatus 10 can be held at stationary positions when vehicle wheels contact the vehicle ramp members. The apparatus 10 includes a pad 12, holding members 14, 16, and a cushion member 18.

The pad 12 is provided to support a vehicle thereon. The pad 12 is substantially rectangular-shaped and is constructed from a flexible polymer. The flexible polymer can comprise one or more of: nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC,) polyurethane, polypropylenes, polyesters, and acrylics. In an alternate embodiment, the pad 12 can be constructed from a rubber material. Further, the pad 12 is substantially flexible and can be rolled up for.storage purposes. A width (D1) of the pad 12 is greater than a distance between vehicle wheels 94, 96 of the vehicle 90. A length (D2) of the pad 12 is greater than a distance between vehicle wheels 94, 98 of the vehicle 90.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the holding members 14, 16 are provided to hold vehicle ramp members at stationary positions when vehicle wheels contact the vehicle ramp members. The holding members 14, 16 are constructed from plastic and are fixedly coupled to the pad 12 proximate a first end 20 of the pad 12. Further, the holding members 14, 16 are separated from one another a distance (D3) that is substantially equal to the distance between the vehicle wheels 94, 96 of the vehicle 90.

The holding member 14 has a substantially triangular-shaped cross-sectional profile and includes surfaces 60, 62, 63, 64, 65. The surface 60 is fixedly coupled to the pad 12 and the surface 62 abuts against the vehicle ramp member 40 to prevent movement of the ramp member 40. Similarly, the holding member 16 has a substantially triangular-shaped cross-sectional profile and includes surfaces 66, 68, 70, 72, 74. The surface 66 is fixedly coupled to the pad 12 and the surface 68 abuts against the vehicle ramp member 42 to prevent movement of the ramp member 42.

The cushion member 18 is disposed on the pad 12 and provides a region for a user of the pad 12 to lie on while working on an underside of the vehicle 90. Further, the cushion member 18 is disposed between the holding members 14, 16.

Referring to FIG. 1, the ramp members 40, 42 held by the apparatus 10 will now be briefly described. The ramp member 40 includes a ramp portion 44 integrally coupled to a support portion 46. A surface 48 of the support portion 46 contacts the holding member 14 to prevent forward movement of the ramp member 40. The ramp member 44 includes a ramp portion 50 integrally coupled to a support portion 52. A surface 54 of the support portion 52 contacts the holding member 16 to prevent foreword movement of the ramp member 42.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a method for elevating the vehicle 90 utilizing the apparatus 10 and vehicle ramp members 40, 42 will now be described. As shown, the vehicle 90 includes a vehicle body 92 and vehicle wheels 94, 96, 98, 100. Initially, the vehicle 90 is moved onto the pad 12 at a vehicle position 102 wherein the vehicle wheels 94, 96 contact the vehicle ramp members 40, 42, respectively, and the vehicle wheels 98, 100 are disposed on the pad 12 proximate a second end 90 of the pad 12. Thereafter, the vehicle wheels 94, 96 are moved upwardly onto the ramp members 40, 42, respectively, to a vehicle position 104. During movement of the vehicle 90 from the vehicle position 102 to the vehicle position 104, the holding members 14, 16 prevent the ramp members 40, 42, respectively, from moving in a forward direction when the wheels 94, 96 are contacting the members 40, 42, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6, an apparatus 120 for holding at least one vehicle ramp member in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment is illustrated. Like the apparatus 10, the apparatus 120 holds vehicle ramp members disposed thereon at stationary positions when vehicle wheels contact the vehicle ramp members. The apparatus 120 includes a pad 122, holding members 130, 132, and a cushion member 134.

The pad 122 is provided to support a vehicle thereon. The pad 122 includes a rectangular pad portion 124, and extension portions 126, 128. The extension portions 126, 128 extend from the rectangular pad portion 124 generally in a first direction. Further, the extension portions 126, 128 are spaced apart from one another. The pad 122 is constructed from a flexible polymer. The flexible polymer comprises one or more of: nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC,) polyurethane, polypropylenes, polyesters, and acrylics. In an alternate embodiment, the pad 122 can be constructed from a rubber material. Further, the pad 122 is substantially flexible and can be rolled up for storage purposes. A width (D4) of the pad 122 is greater than a distance between vehicle wheels 94, 96 of the vehicle 90. A length (D5) of the pad 122 is greater than a distance between vehicle wheels 94, 98 of the vehicle 90.

The holding members 130, 132 are provided to hold vehicle ramp members at stationary positions when vehicle wheels contact the vehicle ramp members. The holding members 130, 132 are fixedly coupled to the pad 122 at a first end 136 of the pad 122. Further, the holding members 130, 132 are separated from one another a distance (D3) that is substantially equal to the distance between the vehicle wheels 94, 96 of the vehicle 90. The holding member 130 includes a metal plate 140 with apertures 142, 144 extending therethrough. The apertures 142, 144 are configured to receive dowel rods 152, 154 extending from a bottom surface of the vehicle ramp member 150. Similarly, the holding member 132 includes a metal plate 160 with apertures 162, 164 extending therethrough. The apertures 162, 164 are configured to receive dowel rods (not shown) extending from a bottom surface of the vehicle ramp member 170.

The cushion member 134 is disposed on the pad 122 and provides a region for a user of the pad 122 to lie on while working on an underside of the vehicle 90. Further, the cushion member 134 is disposed between the holding members 130, 132.

A method for elevating the vehicle 90 utilizing the apparatus 120 and the vehicle ramp members 150, 170 will now be described. Initially, the vehicle 90 is moved onto the pad 122 wherein the vehicle wheels 94, 96 contact the vehicle ramp members 150, 170, respectively, and the vehicle wheels 98, 100 are disposed on the pad 122 proximate a second end 138 of the pad 122. Thereafter, the vehicle wheels 94, 96 are moved upwardly onto the ramp members 150, 170, respectively. During the upward movement of the vehicle 90 on the ramp members 150, 170, the holding members 130, 132 prevent the ramp members 150, 170, respectively from moving in a forward direction when the wheels 94, 96 are contacting the members 150, 170, respectively.

In alternate embodiments of the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 120, a plurality of different holding members could be utilized to hold the vehicle ramp members to the pad. For example, the holding member can comprise one or more of screws, nuts, bolts, adhesives, clamping members, compression joints, or the like.

In another alternate embodiment of apparatus 10, the pad 12 can have a substantially similar shape as pad 122 of apparatus 120. Further, in another alternate embodiment of apparatus 120, the pad 122 can have a substantially similar shape as pad 12 of apparatus 10.

Further, either the apparatus 10 or the apparatus 120 can be utilized to hold ramp members at stationary positions when the vehicle 90 is backed up onto the ramp members.

The apparatus for holding at least one vehicle ramp member and the method for elevating a vehicle and provides substantial advantage over known devices and methods. In particular, the apparatus provides technical effect of holding a ramp member at a fixed position on a pad when a vehicle wheel is contacting the ramp member. Further, when a front vehicle wheel is contacting the ramp member coupled to the pad, a rear vehicle wheel is disposed on the pad, to prevent movement of the pad, and vice versa.

While the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for holding at least one vehicle ramp member, comprising: a pad configured to receive at least a first vehicle wheel proximate a first end of the pad and a second vehicle wheel proximate a second end of the pad; and a first holding member coupled to the pad proximate the first end, the first holding member being configured to hold a first vehicle ramp member at a first predetermined position on the pad, wherein the pad supports the second vehicle wheel when the first vehicle wheel contacts the first vehicle ramp member thereby preventing movement of the pad by the first vehicle wheel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second holding member coupled to the pad proximate the first end, the second holding member being configured to hold a second vehicle ramp member at a second predetermined position on the pad.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a distance between the first holding member and the second holding member is substantially a distance between the first vehicle wheel and a third vehicle wheel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a substantially rectangular pad portion and first and second extension portions, the first and second extension portions being spaced apart from one another and extending from the rectangular pad portion generally in a first direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first vehicle ramp member is coupled to the rectangular pad portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a substantially rectangular pad.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a length of the pad along a first axis is greater than a distance between the first vehicle wheel and the second vehicle wheel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pad has a cushion member disposed thereon.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first holding member comprises a first fastening member, the first fastening member configured to receive a second fastening member coupled to the first vehicle ramp member to hold the first vehicle ramp member at the first predetermined position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first holding member comprises an abutment member, the abutment member configured to contact an end of the first vehicle ramp member to prevent movement of the first vehicle ramp member in a first direction.
 11. A method for elevating a portion of a vehicle, comprising: coupling a first ramp member to a first holding member on a pad, the first holding member disposed proximate a first end of the pad, the pad being configured to receive at least a first vehicle wheel proximate the first end of the pad and a second vehicle wheel proximate a second end of the pad; and moving first and second vehicle wheels onto the pad, wherein when the first vehicle wheel moves upwardly on the first vehicle ramp member the second vehicle wheel contacts the pad to prevent movement of the pad.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: coupling a second ramp member to a second holding member on the pad, the second holding member disposed proximate the first end of the pad, the pad being configured to further receive a third vehicle wheel proximate the first end of the pad and a fourth vehicle wheel proximate the second end of the pad; and moving third and fourth vehicle wheels onto the pad, wherein when the third vehicle wheel moves upwardly on the second vehicle ramp member the fourth vehicle wheel contacts the pad to prevent movement of the pad.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a distance between the first holding member and the second holding member is substantially a distance between the first vehicle wheel and the third vehicle wheel. 